Taste of Italy: Venice

Cicchetti

Cicchetti are Venice’s version of tapas. These small bites range from fried seafood to hard boiled eggs to meatballs or simply cured olives. An entire meal can be created from Cicchetti by ordering multiple plates at the Cicchetteria. Don’t forget to wash it down with some vino.9601280

Cicchetti are Venice’s version of tapas. These small bites range from fried seafood to hard boiled eggs to meatballs or simply cured olives. An entire meal can be created from Cicchetti by ordering multiple plates at the Cicchetteria. Don’t forget to wash it down with some vino.

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Carpaccio

Carpaccio

Carpaccio was created in Venice and named after the artist Vittore Carpaccio by the Cipriani family, owners of the famous Harry’s Bar. Thinly sliced beef is served on a plate drizzled with Harry’s famous sauce of mayonnaise, crushed tomato, cream, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.9601280

Carpaccio was created in Venice and named after the artist Vittore Carpaccio by the Cipriani family, owners of the famous Harry’s Bar. Thinly sliced beef is served on a plate drizzled with Harry’s famous sauce of mayonnaise, crushed tomato, cream, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

Risotto

Risotto

Risotto is a common dish throughout Italy, but in Venice, the Risi e Bisi is well known because of one prized ingredient: Peas. Paired with ham and risotto broth, this dish is rich in flavors of the region.9601280

Risotto is a common dish throughout Italy, but in Venice, the Risi e Bisi is well known because of one prized ingredient: Peas. Paired with ham and risotto broth, this dish is rich in flavors of the region.

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Fried Sardines

Fried Sardines

Fried sardines have been a favorite snack in Venice since the 13th century and are served simply with a drizzle of lemon juice, olive oil and parsley.9601280

Fried sardines have been a favorite snack in Venice since the 13th century and are served simply with a drizzle of lemon juice, olive oil and parsley.

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Prosecco

Prosecco

Prosecco is the sparkling beverage of choice in Venice, not to mention much of Italy. The Veneto region produces much of Italy’s prosecco. It can be enjoyed alone, in a cocktail, or in a Bellini, which was made famous in Venice. Prosecco pairs nicely with the abundant seafood dishes of Venice.9601280

Prosecco is the sparkling beverage of choice in Venice, not to mention much of Italy. The Veneto region produces much of Italy’s prosecco. It can be enjoyed alone, in a cocktail, or in a Bellini, which was made famous in Venice. Prosecco pairs nicely with the abundant seafood dishes of Venice.

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Artichokes

Artichokes

Artichokes are a prized vegetable of the area and can be found in markets in early spring. Early season baby artichokes, or castraure, are highly sought after for their tender and bitter flesh; fondi di artichiochi, or artichoke hearts, are often found cleaned and prepared and sold in buckets of water in local markets. Fried and served with lemon and olive oil, or layered in sandwiches, artichokes appear in many different Venetian dishes.9601280

Artichokes are a prized vegetable of the area and can be found in markets in early spring. Early season baby artichokes, or castraure, are highly sought after for their tender and bitter flesh; fondi di artichiochi, or artichoke hearts, are often found cleaned and prepared and sold in buckets of water in local markets. Fried and served with lemon and olive oil, or layered in sandwiches, artichokes appear in many different Venetian dishes.

Tramezzini

Tramezzini is a different kind of Italian sandwich than the ubiquitous Panini. Various ingredients like tuna, eggs, capers and ham are piled onto thinly sliced white bread and cut into bite-sized pieces. These are also considered Cicchetti.9601280

Tramezzini is a different kind of Italian sandwich than the ubiquitous Panini. Various ingredients like tuna, eggs, capers and ham are piled onto thinly sliced white bread and cut into bite-sized pieces. These are also considered Cicchetti.